During a discussion concerning a possible exemption for lawmakers and staff members from taking part in the state health exchanges mandated by the new law, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) reportedly lamented that aides can become lobbyists “and make 500,000 a year. Meanwhile I’m stuck here making $172,000 a year

I’ve been stewing over this for a few days, and now I’m ready to vent.

First, I want to deal with the word “stuck.”

Stuck in Congress:

• A job you actively sought, and campaigned for. Hm.
• In one-half of the greatest legislative body in the world. Hm hm.
• Which is known to be a stepping-stone to higher levels of political position. Hm hm hm.
• Where you make decisions that affect millions of people. Hm x 4.

Second, $172,000 a year:

• Median income in the US is $50K. You're making three-plus times that.
• You also have the best benefits package possible in this country.
• Plus, all the perks you get as a Congressman.

Lastly (and I want to be perfectly clear, here) — you are bitching about money and your personal recompense, not the public good. A member of Congress. More interested in his own pelf than helping his constituents.

You, sir, are a hypocritical douche-canoe.

More: Georgia Repub. Complains: ‘I’m Stuck Here Making $172,000 a Year’